Veg Banana Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious Dessert

Updated On: September 29, 2025

If you’re craving a moist, flavorful cake that’s wholesome and easy to make, look no further than this veg banana cake recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or an enthusiastic novice, this recipe is a wonderful way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter.

Packed with the natural sweetness of bananas and the goodness of plant-based ingredients, this cake is a delightful treat for breakfast, tea time, or dessert.

What sets this banana cake apart is its rich, tender crumb and subtle hint of spice. Even better, it’s entirely egg-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone looking to reduce animal products in their diet.

The recipe is endlessly adaptable—you can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to suit your taste. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through each step, share expert tips, and offer serving ideas to make this banana cake a family favorite.

Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Make: Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
  • Moist & Fluffy: The mashed bananas keep the cake soft and tender, while a touch of oil ensures it never dries out.
  • 100% Plant-Based: No eggs, no dairy—just wholesome ingredients that everyone can enjoy.
  • Versatile: Add your favorite nuts, chocolate chips, or spices to customize the cake to your liking.
  • Perfect for Overripe Bananas: A delicious way to reduce food waste and use up bananas that are past their prime.

Whether you’re serving it as a snack, a dessert, or a grab-and-go breakfast, this banana cake is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity Notes
Ripe bananas 3 medium (about 1 1/4 cups mashed) The riper, the better—brown spots are perfect!
All-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups (180g) You can substitute half with whole wheat flour for more fiber.
Brown sugar 3/4 cup (150g) Adjust based on your sweetness preference.
Baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons Ensures a light, fluffy cake.
Baking soda 1/2 teaspoon Works with the bananas’ acidity for extra rise.
Salt 1/4 teaspoon Balances the sweetness.
Cinnamon powder 1 teaspoon Optional, but adds lovely warmth.
Neutral oil (sunflower, canola, or vegetable) 1/3 cup (80ml) For moisture—melted coconut oil works, too.
Non-dairy milk 1/3 cup (80ml) Almond, soy, or oat milk are all great choices.
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon For depth of flavor.
Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon Helps activate the baking soda for fluffiness.
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) 1/2 cup Stir in for crunch and extra flavor.
Vegan chocolate chips (optional) 1/2 cup For a decadent twist.

Equipment

  • 9×5-inch loaf pan or an 8-inch round cake pan
  • Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
  • Whisk or fork
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking parchment paper (optional, for lining the pan)
  • Oven mitts
  • Cooling rack

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf or cake pan with a little oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Mash the bananas. In a large mixing bowl, peel and mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. A few small lumps are okay—they add texture!
  3. Add wet ingredients. To the mashed bananas, add the brown sugar, oil, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
  4. Add the lemon juice or vinegar. Stir in the lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. This ingredient reacts with the baking soda for a lighter crumb.
  5. Combine dry ingredients. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon powder (if using).
  6. Mix wet and dry ingredients. Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix—a few streaks of flour are fine.
  7. Add mix-ins. If desired, gently fold in chopped walnuts or pecans and/or vegan chocolate chips at this stage.
  8. Pour and smooth. Transfer the batter to your prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
  9. Bake. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 40–50 minutes (loaf pan) or 30–35 minutes (round cake pan). The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
  10. Cool. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Slice and enjoy! Once cool, slice your veg banana cake and serve as desired.

Tips & Variations

Tip: The key to a moist banana cake is using very ripe bananas—the browner, the better. They mash easily and add natural sweetness.

  • Banana Bread vs. Banana Cake: This recipe yields a lighter, fluffier cake compared to dense banana bread. If you prefer a denser texture, reduce the baking powder by half.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
  • Add-Ins: Stir in coconut flakes, raisins, or sunflower seeds for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Spice It Up: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even ginger for a unique twist.
  • Make It a Layer Cake: Double the recipe and bake in two round pans. Frost with vegan cream cheese icing or vegan bechamel sauce (for a savory twist).
  • Oil-Free Version: Replace oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat, equally moist cake.

“Overmixing is the enemy of a tender banana cake. Fold gently for the best texture!”

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1/10 cake)
Calories 185
Protein 2.5g
Carbohydrates 33g
Sugar 13g
Fat 5.5g
Saturated Fat 0.8g
Fiber 1.7g
Sodium 140mg
Cholesterol 0mg

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients and add-ins.

Serving Suggestions

  • Classic with tea or coffee: Enjoy a slice as an afternoon treat with your favorite hot drink.
  • With vegan cream cheese: Spread a little vegan cream cheese or nut butter on top for extra richness.
  • Fruit & yogurt bowl: Cube leftover cake and add to a bowl of plant-based yogurt and fresh berries for a wholesome breakfast.
  • Toasted: Lightly toast slices and serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup.
  • As a dessert: Top with vegan whipped cream or a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for a decadent finish.
  • Pack for lunches: This cake slices beautifully and makes a great lunchbox treat for kids and adults alike.

If you’re looking for more plant-based baking inspiration, check out my Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious and discover new flavors with these Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals.

Conclusion

This veg banana cake recipe is a testament to just how delicious plant-based baking can be. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and is endlessly customizable.

Whether you keep it classic or add your own twist with nuts, chocolate, or spices, you’ll end up with a cake that’s moist, tender, and full of banana flavor. Best of all, you can feel good knowing it’s made without eggs or dairy, so it suits a wide range of dietary needs.

Baking is all about sharing joy and creativity. I hope this recipe inspires you to try more wholesome, plant-based treats and experiment in your kitchen.

If you loved this banana cake, don’t miss my collection of Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for more cozy, satisfying dishes. Happy baking, and let me know how your banana cake turns out in the comments below!

📖 Recipe Card: Veg Banana Cake

Description: A moist, egg-free banana cake perfect for vegetarians. Easy to make and delicious for tea-time or dessert.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT50M

Servings: 8 slices

Ingredients

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a loaf pan.
  2. In a bowl, mix mashed bananas, sugar, oil, milk, and vanilla.
  3. Sift in flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  4. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined.
  5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 6 g | Carbs: 31 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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